Woman accused of choking girl for blocking Disney fireworks view

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- (CBS NEWS) A Walt Disney World patron is accused of choking a girl who was blocking her view at the Magic Kingdom fireworks show Wednesday night, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

The victim, who was visiting the theme park with a group of students and chaperones from her out-of-state high school, was with friends around 9:30 p.m., waiting for the show to start, reports CBS Orlando affiliate WKMG-TV. A family was sitting behind them.

When the show began, the girl and her friends stood up so they could get a better view. The family sitting behind them said to sit down so they could see, according to an arrest report.

Tabbatha Mature, 41, was aggravated about not being able to see the display, so the girl and her friends decided to leave. As they were walking away, the victim told Mature, “You can take our spot.”

Deputies said Mature grabbed the girl by her neck, squeezed and pushed her head toward the ground. Mature let go of the girl when she started screaming and told her, “You don’t want to mess with me,” according to an arrest affidavit.

The victim’s friends got the girl away and found a Walt Disney World employee to report the incident.

The girl did not have visible injuries. She told deputies she was willing to press charges.